New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-04-03
GREELEY md BEECHER.

HITHERTO UNPUBLISHED LETTER FROM THE
GREAT PREACHER TO THE GREAT EDITOR.
lFRoM OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUNE
BOSTON. April 2-One of Henry Ward Beechers most
intimate friends for many years was II. NJ. Cleveland.
whose name has been prominently identified with The
Christian Union, Plymouth Church. aud the Beecher trial
Mr. Cleveland enjoyed Mr. Beechers confidence to a
greater degree than almost any other man living.
and during the terrible ordeal through which
tho great preacher passed there on
whom he leaned for counsel, for sympathy,
for guidance, with q stronger, implicit faith.
Mr. Cleveland is engaged in the banking business In
Boston The firm is Cleveland, Whitney Co., al NO. Z
Exchange-place.
yes" said Mr. Cleveland the other day, al am will
ing to talk with representative of THE TRIBUNE. paper
that has standing second to none in this country And
speaking OF TRIBUNE reminds me that have in my
possession the copy which Mr. Bcecher permitted Inc to
make OF letter which he sent TO Mr. Greeley and
the great preacher and the journalist are both
dead, there is no improperly in now making 1t public
for the first lime III written just after the mcmOra-
BILE campaign of 70 and suggested by Mr. Greclcys
announcement Of his return to the editorial control OF
THE TRIBUNE The letter, which has never before been
published is as follows:
BROOKLYN, November Q, 1870
My DEAR Mr.. GREELEY | read your card In THE
and the of journalism your return to field in
which you have won much reputation and where you
not be written without including as an important part
of IL your life and services.
You may think amidst clouds of smoke and dust that
all Your old friends who parted company with you
in the late campaign will turn mOmenary difference
in.o life long alienation 1t will not be speak for
myself and also from what | perceive i'll other men )
hearts. Your mere political influence may for time be
impaired but your power for good in the far wider
fields Of industrial economy social and civil criticism.
and the general welbeing OF society, will not be
lessened, but augmented. 1t is true that hitherto
the times called for warrior. and such you
were; yet | canuot but think with regret
how much ability has been spent by you that died with
the occasion, and which might nave built up positive and
permanent elements But | look upon your years to
likely to be fruitful and rradated with
kind and benefccnt light which Will ave your name In
far greater than if You had reached the highest
Office.
beg that you will pardon intrusion. especially when
YOU stand in the shadow Of great domestic trouble.
hoped that word of honest respect and sympathy might
not dspease you There thousand who would Ike
to do have DONE and who with will rejoice once
TO be in sympathy with you IN all things beneccnt
and patriotic. am my dear Mr.. Greeley. very truly
yours. (Slgncd) HENRY W ARD BELCHLE
There" said Mr.. Cleveland he finished reading
the letter, "that speaks the generous Christian spirit
cherished by Henry Ward Bcccher He was not In
accord with Mr. Grcelcy's political movement. but when
the campaign ended his opposition TO the great Journal
is the founder Of The TRIBUNE passed away forever